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Dental Tribune United Kingdom Edition

PUBLISHED IN LONDON T he Department of Health has confirmed that the policy which currently prevents HIV-positive surgeons and dentists from working in the UK is being reviewed. Under Department of Health rules, HIV-positive health work- ers working in surgery, den- tistry and specialist nursing, plus obstetrics and gynaecology are not allowed to carry out inva- sive surgery or ‘exposure prone procedures’ that could risk blood contamination. The announcement has been welcomed by campaigners and Aids charities, who say advance- ments in HIV therapy drugs makes it easier for people to un- dertake such clinical roles. British policy is stricter than in many European countries plus the US and Australia, where dentists with HIV can work. According to reports, there have been no reported healthcare worker to patient HIV transmissions in the UK, and only four such cases recorded worldwide and fur- thermore, dentists with HIV are permitted to work in the US and Australia. According to reports, a DH spokesperson said: “There is a very low risk of transmission of HIV from an infected health- care worker to patient dur- ing certain exposure prone procedures. Department of Health guidance recommends that healthcare workers infect- ed with HIV do not undertake these procedures.” One dental professional said: “I think that this review hopeful- ly leading to a change in stance by the DH, has been a long-time coming. “However the chance of an accidental injury with a contaminated instrument to a healthcare professional is very real. Despite that, healthcare professionals never differentiate between patients.” “I feel it is about time that the discrimination stops against us as well.” Another dentist replied to this response saying: “Follow- ing the legislation associated with the CQC I cannot see why a HIV dental professional cannot work normally assuming they are under the care of a medical practitioner, suitable medication regime and an undetectable viral load.” One angry dentist said: “It would appear that it is is wrong and unprofessional to regard HIV/ HBV +ve patients as being any sort of risk but, if dedicated professional should become so afflicted they become pariahs, unable to work and subject to draconian restrictions. “Typical DOH, constantly bleating about evidence based practice, yet ten years behind the times. “I wouldn’t expect anything less of them. Action through the courts at named individu- als would sort them out PDQ. About time the BDA actually took a stance as well and actively harassed the clowns who make the decisions.” The guidance on the policy is currently being reviewed by the UK Advisory Panel for Healthcare Workers Infected with Blood- borne Viruses (UKAP), the Advi- sory Group on Hepatitis and the Expert Advisory Group on Aids. The DH has reportedly said that the review is expected to be completed within the next few months, and that it would consider any recommenda- tions received from the three advisory panels. DT February 7-13, 2011 VOL. 1 NO. 3 Dental Divas launches Dental Divas, an American organisation designed to support the needs of women dentists, has announced the official launch of Dental Di- vas Online. The interactive website allows members to connect with other dentists, providing women dentists a place to share their ideas and network themselves. Ac- cording to an ADA study, the dental industry is comprised of 40 per cent women den- tists, and yet until recently, there were very few options in the form of resources, networking, and support for the challenges that women dentists face. The interactive website provides informa- tive articles and a variety of discussions on hot topics of interest, such as running a practice, peer advice, job op- portunities and even help finding maternity leave fill- in. DentalDivasOnline.com. Octoberdent A dentist and her nurses in Germany have reportedly changed their uniforms to cleavage-maximising ‘Alpine lounge’-themed outfits in a supposed bid to ease patients’ fears. According to Metro, Dr Marie-Catherine Klarkowski came up with the idea for herself and her ten assist- ants after visiting an Okto- berfest event featuring bar- maids in revealing ‘dirndls’. Klarkowski said: “The most important thing is to take away patients’ fear. The sight of cleavages gets patients narcotised and distracted from the pain rather quickly. “Some patients’ mouths are already wide open on enter- ing the practice.” The Relax & Smile practice in Munich has reportedly seen a rise of a third in its number of clients - all men - since the change. ‘Meet the Dentist’ Davidson County den- tists and Davidson County School Readiness and Smart Start programs in America will hold “Meet the Den- tist” activities at Davidson County libraries in Feb- ruary for preschool chil- dren and their parents. Like the UK’s own version of oral health month activi- ties, these annual celebra- tions raise awareness about the importance of main- taining good oral health. Developing good habits at an early age helps children gain a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums so dentists and their staff will provide dental education for children and parents, dental screening and refer- ral, and free toothbrushes. www.dental-tribune.co.uk Take a holiday Richard Lishman discusses furnished holiday lettings The Inman Aligner Dr Tif Qureshi presents part 1 The beauty of materials Dr Ian Cline discusses how to achieve clincial success News in Brief Clinical FeatureNewsNews Smile!!! The new LED smile takes Japan by storm page 4 page 10 pages 15-19 pages 24-26 Positive review of HIV health staff ban The Department of Health confirms review of ‘outdated’ HIV policy